I don’t have time… One of the most boring phrases and excuses we hear each day. The worst thing is, we are all guilty of saying it.

All those daily schedules packed with urgent tasks, big projects, household chores and tons of other stuff to accomplish leave us no choice but to say, “I don’t have time” to our partners, parents, friends, and even kids.

We often skip breakfast, doctor’s appointments, dates, trips, vacations, you name it because we don’t have time. It’s time to eliminate this phrase from your vocabulary for good and here’s why:

1. Your busy life isn’t actually busy

Before you tell me that I’m crazy and have no idea what I’m talking about, hear me out. The majority of people confess that they use their seemingly busy lives as an excuse when they want to avoid certain situations.

The saying proves, “When you want to see someone, you will find the time. When you want to do something, you will definitely do it.” And don’t tell me that it’s not true. How many times have you kicked your oh-so-important projects to the curb to go on a first date or watch the new episode of your favorite show?

You’re not alone, we’ve all done it at least once.

2. Procrastination is your biggest enemy

Everyone procrastinates. That’s a norm. But if you say, “I’ll do it later. I don’t have time” more than twice a day every day, congratulations – you are a chronic procrastinator. Science says about 20% of people are chronic procrastinators but only a few of them realize it. If you do realize, that’s great – you’re a step closer to getting rid of this habit.

The Stockholm University’s study proved that procrastination has nothing to do with time management. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a college student, you have to get things done on time in order to cultivate discipline and become successful. Stop leaving things to the last minute and you will see how much free time you can have.

3. It’s just not your priority

Don’t feel like going on a second date? Don’t want to take that extra work your boss is suggesting to you? Want to spend Friday nights alone? Do whatever you believe is better for you, but don’t feed others with your never-ending “I don’t have time” excuses.

It’s okay to make priorities and let others know about them. Be honest with yourself and others. This is one of the most effective ways to gain respect. Your boss would rather accept your “I don’t want to do that extra task” than believe in your excuses.

4. It makes you feel guilty

How many times did you say to your nearest and dearest that you don’t have time and then ended up feeling guilty for saying it?

We skip many precious family moments, including the first steps of our babies and the last breaths of our parents because we make ourselves feel busy all the time. We can’t find our soul mates because we have no time for love. We skip fun parties because we have to get our endless to-do lists done.

Life is short. You should always find time for people you love, otherwise, you can spend many years regretting you were too busy to play with your little ones or help your grandparents repair their home.

5. Start living your life

Yes, you read that right. A busy life isn’t a fulfilled life. You miss many life’s opportunities because you mistakenly believe you’re always super busy.

If your life is filled with jam-packed schedules that include work, shopping, cleaning, cooking, and sleeping, you don’t live your life. You simply exist. You live to make money and nothing more. Stop saying you don’t have time for a happy and fun life, otherwise, you will have nothing to remember in your 70s.

6. It’s just another excuse

Doesn’t it sound like an excuse? It’s surely an excuse. By not saying you don’t have time, you will eliminate many excuses from your life. Not only will you get what you want in the end, but you will start feeling more proud of yourself. Not to mention that others will stop calling you a chronic excuse-maker.

There are many reasons to stop saying you don’t have time, and I highlighted just the most important ones. As soon as you delete this boring phrase from your vocabulary and lame excuse from your life, you will see that you can actually do more things that you’ve thought you could and you’ll increase your chances of finally becoming a successful and happy person.

Remember, there’s always a successful road overstretched before you. All you need to do is to see and follow that path.

James is the founder of Entrepreneurboy. He’ll share what works and doesn’t work to help you take the next step in the entrepreneurial direction; replacing your roadmap with a fully equipped GPS.